The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved two Indian Railways multitracking projects worth Rs 34 billion. Spanning 176 kilometres across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the projects aim to enhance passenger and freight capacity while supporting India’s logistics infrastructure under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

The approved works will connect approximately 784 villages with a combined population of nearly two million. The routes are vital for moving coal, cement, clinker, gypsum, fly ash, petroleum products, containers, and agricultural goods. The expected annual freight capacity increase is 18.4 million tonnes.

These developments are set to reduce oil imports, lower carbon dioxide emissions, and boost supply chain efficiency. The initiatives also support economic growth by easing congestion and optimising travel and transport infrastructure.

The projects are scheduled for completion by financial year 2029–30. This follows previous cabinet approvals, including Rs 186.58 billion for four projects in April and Rs 325.84 billion for eleven others in financial year 2024. The capital expenditure allocation for Indian Railways in financial year 2026 remains at Rs 2.65 trillion, similar to revised estimates for financial year 2025.

Source:Business Today